The American Breed

The American Breed was a Chicago-area rock and pop band best known for the 1967 hit “Bend Me, Shape Me.” Originally performing as Gary and the Knight Lites, the group adopted its new name in 1967 and featured Gary Loizzo, Al Ciner, Charles “Chuck” Colbert Jr., and Lee Graziano. Other notable songs included “Step Out of Your Mind” and “Green Light.” After the band dissolved around 1970, several members helped form the funk group Rufus.